Tube squeezer and method of squeezing a flexible tube

ABSTRACT

A tube squeezer operable to force matter from a flexible tube includes a frame biased in a first position and movable to a second position, a first member supported by the frame for rotation about a first longitudinal axis, and a second member supported by the frame for rotation about a second longitudinal axis. A lock member is coupled to the frame to selectively lock the frame in the second position. The first member and the second member cooperate to compress the flexible tube when the frame is in the second position.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a device for squeezing matter from a flexible tube. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device that is usable by a patient to squeeze a surgical drain.

Surgical drains are sometimes used following surgery to allow for drainage of matter from the surgical area. In most cases, the matter includes mostly fluids (e.g., pus, blood, etc.) but may include some solid matter. Sometimes, the matter being drained clots, clumps, or dries within the tube. The material then blocks additional flow from the drain. In these situations, the tube is changed or cleared.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a tube squeezer operable to force matter from a flexible tube. The squeezer includes a frame biased in a first position and movable to a second position, a first member supported by the frame for rotation about a first longitudinal axis, and a second member supported by the frame for rotation about a second longitudinal axis. A lock member is coupled to the frame to selectively lock the frame in the second position. The first member and the second member cooperate to compress the flexible tube when the frame is in the second position.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a tube squeezer operable to force matter from a flexible tube. The squeezer includes a first substantially cylindrical member that defines a first longitudinal axis and a second substantially cylindrical member that defines a second longitudinal axis. A frame includes a first support that supports the first substantially cylindrical member and a second support that supports the second substantially cylindrical member such that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are substantially parallel. The frame is movable between a first position in which the first longitudinal axis is spaced a first distance from the second longitudinal axis, and a second position in which the first longitudinal axis is spaced a second distance from the second longitudinal axis. The first distance is sized to receive the flexible tube between the first substantially cylindrical member and the second substantially cylindrical member in a substantially uncompressed state and the second distance is sized to receive the flexible tube between the first substantially cylindrical member and the second substantially cylindrical member in a compressed state.

In another embodiment the invention provides a tube squeezer that is operable to force matter from a flexible tube. The squeezer includes a frame having a first end, a second end, and a hinge portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The hinge is arranged to bias the frame into a first position and to allow movement of the frame to a second position. A first substantially cylindrical member has a first diameter and is supported adjacent the first end for rotation about a first longitudinal axis. A second substantially cylindrical member has a second diameter and is supported adjacent the second end for rotation about a second longitudinal axis. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. A lock member is formed as part of the frame to selectively lock the frame in the second position. The first substantially cylindrical member and the second substantially cylindrical member cooperate to compress the flexible tube when the frame is in the second position.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tube squeezer embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the tube squeezer of FIG. 1 including a flexible tube;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tube squeezer of FIG. 1 positioned on a flexible tube and in a locked position as it clears the tube; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tube squeezer of FIG. 1 as it clears the tube.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a tube squeezer 10 that includes a frame 15, a first member 20, and a second member 25. The frame 15 includes an outer surface 30, an inner surface 35, a first end 40, a second end 45, and a hinge 50 disposed between the first end 40 and the second end 45. The outer surface 30 may include ridges 55, bumps, or other members that improve the grip between a user and the tube squeezer 10 if desired.

In the illustrated construction, a living hinge 50 is employed with other hinge arrangements also being possible. The hinge 50 is arranged such that the first end 40 is positioned adjacent the second end 45 and the frame 15 is substantially U-shaped or V-shaped. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hinge 50 maintains or biases the frame 15 in a first position. The hinge 50 also allows the frame 15 to move to a second position.

Each of the first end 40 and the second end 45 includes a support member 60, 65 that projects from the inner surface 35 of the first end 40 and second end 45 toward the other of the first end 40 or the second end 45. Each support member 60, 65 includes a first axle support 70 and a second axle support 75 spaced apart from the first axle support 70. Each axle support 70, 75 defines an open aperture 80. The aperture 80 is substantially circular and is open on one end to allow the insertion and retention of an axle or shaft.

In preferred constructions, the support members 60, 65, including the axle supports 70, 75, are formed as a single piece with the frame 15. Specifically, preferred constructions form the frame 15 and the support members 60, 65 from a plastic material using an injection molding process or other suitable process. Of course other materials or processes could be employed. In addition, separate support members 60, 65 could be formed and attached to the frame 15 if desired.

A lock member 85 includes a first lock portion 90 and a second lock portion 95 that extend from the inner surface 35 of the frame 15 toward one another. Each of the lock portions 90, 95 includes an extension 100 and a hook 105. The extension 100 extends away from the frame 15 and supports the hook 105 in the desired position. The hook 105 includes an angled surface 110 that engages the angled surface 110 of the opposite hook 105 to lock the frame 15 in the second or locked position.

In preferred constructions, the first lock portion 90 and the second lock portion 95 are formed as one piece with the frame 15. However, other constructions may employ a first lock portion 90 and/or a second lock portion 95 that is separate from the frame 15 or that is formed separately from the frame 15 and then is attached to the frame 15.

The first member 20 includes a first substantially cylindrical portion 115 that is supported on a first axle 120. In some constructions, the first cylindrical portion 115 rotates about the first axle 120. However, more preferred constructions form the first axle 120 and the first cylindrical portion 115 as a single component. Again, plastic is the preferred material with other materials also being suitable for use.

The first axle 120 is sized to fit within the apertures 80 of the axle supports 70, 75 at the first end 40 of the frame 15 such that the axle supports 70, 75 support the first cylindrical portion 115 for rotation about a first longitudinal axis 125 defined by the first axle 120.

The second member 25 includes a second substantially cylindrical portion 130 that is supported on a second axle 135. In the illustrated construction, the second axle 135 and the second cylindrical portion 130 are similarly sized. In some constructions, the second cylindrical portion 130 rotates about the second axle 135. However, more preferred constructions form the second axle 135 and the second cylindrical portion 130 as a single component. Again, plastic is the preferred material with other materials also being suitable for use.

A first end plate 140 is positioned at one end of the second cylindrical portion 130 and a second end plate 145 is positioned opposite the first end plate 140 to define a tube-receiving space 150 therebetween. The end plates 140, 145 are spaced apart enough to at least partially receive the first cylindrical portion 115 of the first member 20 in the space 150. The space 150 is also sized to receive a flexible tube 155 and inhibit side-to-side movement of the tube 155.

As with the first axle 120, the second axle 135 is sized to fit within the apertures 80 of the axle supports 70, 75 of the second end of the frame 15. Thus, the second member 25 is rotatable about a second longitudinal axis 160 defined by the second axle 135.

When the frame 15 is in the first position, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the first longitudinal axis 125 is parallel to and spaced apart from the second longitudinal axis 160. With reference to FIG. 2, the distance between the longitudinal axes 125,160 is such that the flexible tube 155 fits between the first member 20 and the second member 25 without substantial deformation. However, when the frame 15 is moved to the second position, the longitudinal axes 125, 160 are spaced such that the flexible tube 155 is compressed between the first member 20 and the second member 25.

Before proceeding, it should be noted that while the illustrated construction includes a first cylindrical portion 115 having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second cylindrical portion 130, other arrangements are possible. For example, one construction employs two equally sized cylindrical portions.

To assemble the tube squeezer 10, the frame 15, the first member 20, and the second member 25 are first formed. As noted, preferred constructions employ plastic that is injection molded to form these components. However, other materials and construction methods could be employed if desired. The first member 20 is then pushed into the apertures 80 in the axle supports 70, 75 of the first end 40 and the second member 25 is pushed into the apertures 80 in the axle supports 70, 75 of the second end 45.

The operation of the tube squeezer 10 will now be described with respect to FIGS. 2-4. The tube squeezer 10 is positioned adjacent the flexible tube 155 with the frame 15 in the first position. In this position, the flexible tube 155 can pass between the first member 20 and the second member 25 without being deformed significantly. The frame 15 is then squeezed by the user to move the frame 15 to the second position. The first lock portion 90 and the second lock portion 95 are moved into engagement to lock the frame 15 in the second position. In this position, the first member 20 and the second member 25 compress the flexible tube 155.

Turning to FIG. 3, the user then grasps the tube squeezer 10 and pulls the device along the flexible tube 155 as indicated by the arrow 165. As the tube squeezer 10 moves, the first member 20 and the second member 25 roll along the tube 155. As they roll, they compress the tube 155 and force matter trapped within the tube 155 to move along the tube 155 in front of the first member 20 and the second member 25. The tube squeezer 10 is moved to the end of the flexible tube 155 or drain until the matter within the tube 155 is forced out as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 

1. A tube squeezer operable to force matter from a flexible tube, the tube squeezer comprising: a frame biased in a first position and movable to a second position; a first member supported by the frame for rotation about a first longitudinal axis; a second member supported by the frame for rotation about a second longitudinal axis; and a lock member coupled to the frame to selectively lock the frame in the second position, wherein the first member and the second member cooperate to compress the flexible tube when the frame is in the second position.
 2. The tube squeezer of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a first support disposed at a first end to support the first member, and a second support disposed at a second end to support the second member.
 3. The tube squeezer of claim 2, wherein the first support and the second support are formed as a single piece with the frame.
 4. The tube squeezer of claim 1, wherein the first member includes a first substantially cylindrical portion that defines a first diameter, and the second member includes a second substantially cylindrical portion that defines a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.
 5. The tube squeezer of claim 4, wherein the second member includes a first end disk and a second end disk spaced apart from the first end disk to define a space sized to receive the flexible tube.
 6. The tube squeezer of claim 1, wherein the lock member is formed as a single piece with the frame.
 7. The tube squeezer of claim 1, wherein the lock member includes a first member having a first angled surface and a second member having a second angled surface positioned to engage the first angled surface to lock the frame in the second position.
 8. The tube squeezer of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a hinge portion that biases the frame toward the first position.
 9. A tube squeezer operable to force matter from a flexible tube, the tube squeezer comprising: a first substantially cylindrical member defining a first longitudinal axis; a second substantially cylindrical member defining a second longitudinal axis; and a frame including a first support that supports the first substantially cylindrical member and a second support that supports the second substantially cylindrical member such that the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are substantially parallel, the frame movable between a first position in which the first longitudinal axis is spaced a first distance from the second longitudinal axis, and a second position in which the first longitudinal axis is spaced a second distance from the second longitudinal axis, the first distance sized to receive the flexible tube between the first substantially cylindrical member and the second substantially cylindrical member in a substantially uncompressed state and the second distance sized to receive the flexible tube between the first substantially cylindrical member and the second substantially cylindrical member in a compressed state.
 10. The tube squeezer of claim 9, wherein the first substantially cylindrical member is rotatable about the first longitudinal axis, and the second substantially cylindrical member is rotatable about the second longitudinal axis.
 11. The tube squeezer of claim 9, wherein the first support and the second support are formed as a single piece with the frame.
 12. The tube squeezer of claim 9, wherein the first substantially cylindrical member defines a first diameter, and the second substantially cylindrical member defines a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.
 13. The tube squeezer of claim 9, further comprising a first end disk positioned at a first end of the second substantially cylindrical member and a second end disk positioned at a second end of the second substantially cylindrical member and spaced apart from the first end disk to define a space sized to receive the flexible tube.
 14. The tube squeezer of claim 9, further comprising a lock member coupled to the frame and operable to hold the frame in the second position.
 15. The tube squeezer of claim 14, wherein the lock member includes a first member formed as one piece with the frame and having a first angled surface, and a second member formed as one piece with the frame and having a second angled surface positioned to engage the first angled surface to lock the frame in the second position.
 16. The tube squeezer of claim 9, wherein the frame includes a hinge portion that biases the frame toward the first position.
 17. A tube squeezer operable to force matter from a flexible tube, the tube squeezer comprising: a frame including a first end, a second end, and a hinge portion disposed between the first end and the second end, the hinge arranged to bias the frame into a first position and to allow movement of the frame to a second position; a first substantially cylindrical member having a first diameter and supported adjacent the first end for rotation about a first longitudinal axis; a second substantially cylindrical member having a second diameter and supported adjacent the second end for rotation about a second longitudinal axis, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter; and a lock member formed as part of the frame to selectively lock the frame in the second position, wherein the first substantially cylindrical member and the second substantially cylindrical member cooperate to compress the flexible tube when the frame is in the second position.
 18. The tube squeezer of claim 17, wherein the frame includes a first support disposed at the first end to support the first substantially cylindrical member, and a second support disposed at the second end to support the second substantially cylindrical member.
 19. The tube squeezer of claim 18, wherein the first support and the second support are formed as a single piece with the frame.
 20. The tube squeezer of claim 17 further comprising a first end disk positioned at a first end of the second substantially cylindrical member and a second end disk positioned at a second end of the second substantially cylindrical member and spaced apart from the first end disk to define a space sized to receive the flexible tube.
 21. The tube squeezer of claim 17, wherein the lock member includes a first member having a first angled surface and a second member having a second angled surface positioned to engage the first angled surface to lock the frame in the second position. 